News for 1-17-2024
Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile MTB Race presented by Van Michael Men – March 30, 2024 at Blankets Creek Trails in Canton, GA!
From Mountain Goat Adventures
Are you ready to get shreddy? The course includes most of the trails at Blankets Creek in a counter – clockwise direction for a total distance of 15 miles per lap. Each lap has 1400’+ of elevation gain, so this will be a challenging course. The categories for 2024 are age based, so that all riders can choose between the 15 mile course (1 lap) and 30 mile course (2 laps). Junior categories available in both race distances. You can see full details and a list of categories on the BLANKETS CREEK DIRTY 15/30 WEBSITE. Limit of 250 riders – please register early so you do not miss out. No racing license required for any of our events!
GUARANTEED SHIRT SIZE DEADLINE March 8th – Register by this date to guarantee shirt size All riders who register before March 8 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative surprise swag item. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers. Access to drop bags will be available at the half way point for riders participating in the 30 mile race. Staggered starts by category for rider/volunteer safety. Have family members that like to run? We also have a 5 and 10 mile trail run before the bike race starts! This event is a major fundraiser for SORBA Woodstock, so please come out and support your local trails!
Rope Mill Fast+Furious 15 Mile Mountain Bike Race presented by Northside Hospital – Cherokee – May 25, 2024 at Rope Mill Park in Woodstock, GA!
Make plans to join us for our newest event! This Fast+Furious 15 course features nearly all the trails at Rope Mill Park and will begin along the concrete path to allow riders to space out before entering the singletrack portion of the course. Riders will turn right at the bridge and complete Moore’s Pass, Power House, Raceway and Turbine all in a clockwise direction. These trails are farily wide and allow for passing. Riders will then return across the bridge and complete Explorer Loops 1, 2, and 3 counter-clockwise. The course returns to the start/finish via singletrack trail that links Explorer to the parking lot, crosses the parking lot, then heads onto the Avalanche Trail where riders will proceed counter-clockwise on the Avalanche Trail Loops 1, 2, and 3 and then head back to the start/finish to complete the course.
The categories for 2024 are age based and the same as we are using for the Blankets Creek Dirty 15 Mile Race. You can see full details and a list of categories on the ROPE MILL FAST+FURIOUS 15 WEBSITE. All riders who register before May 3 will receive one of our super soft and comfy tri-blend event shirts and a commemorative surprise swag item. Medals and sponsor prizes 3 deep in all categories, podium shirts for all first place finishers. HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO RUN? We are also offering a separate 10k or half marathon trail run on a similar course in the morning before the bike race!
News for 1-13-2024
St. Paddy O’Pedal Ride
From CHOA and OBDCC
Gear up for an exhilarating ride and join us for the St. Paddy O’Pedal Charity Bike Ride, the best ride in Georgia, dedicated to conquering childhood cancer. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just beginning, there’s a route tailored for you: challenge yourself with the Shamrock metric century ride, opt for the scenic Fly-by 45 mile journey, or enjoy a leisurely spin with the Jammy 17 mile ride. As you cross the finish line, reward yourself with a complimentary lunch and refreshing beverages. By pedaling with purpose, you’ll be supporting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, making a meaningful impact alongside fellow enthusiasts, families, and friends. Join the movement, ride for a cause, and experience the joy of giving back while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in Georgia.
News for 1-11-2024
Silver Comet Closure
The Silver Comet will be closed from 7 am on 1-12-2024 to 1-12-2024 at 6 pm between Anderson Mill and Brookwood Dr. for construction.
News for 1-10-2023
City of Atlanta Ebike Rebate Program
From the Atlanta Regional Comission
“Expected launch: Spring 2024
The Atlanta Regional Commission is partnering with the City of Atlanta and Propel ATL to offer an equity focused e-bike rebate program designed to provide affordable transportation options for City of Atlanta residents, particularly moderate and low-income individuals. Fueled by a $1,000,000 investment from the City of Atlanta, this initiative aims to break down barriers to e-bike ownership, reduce transportation costs, and replace solo car trips to work, the grocery store, and local parks and recreation centers.
City of Atlanta residents can apply for a limited number of rebates. The program is expected to launch in Spring 2024. Income qualified residents are eligible to receive a $1,500 rebate for a standard e-bike and $2,000 for a cargo e-bike. Rebates for other residents are $500 for a standard e-bike and $1,000 for a cargo e-bike. Rebates are limited to one per resident and bikes must be purchased at a participating local bike shop. About 800 to 1,000 e-bikes are expected to be purchased through the rebate program.
The program will provide an upfront rebate known as a point-of-sale rebate, which means the rebate amount is deducted from the price of the bike when you buy it at local bike shop. You don’t have to submit a receipt and get reimbursed after the purchase.” Read the full article about the program. https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/mobility-services/atlanta-e-bike-rebate-program/
WBL#7
From the WBL
WHO WILL WEAR THE CROWN???
WBL Ride # 7: First American Bank Bowman Ball Buster When: Saturday, 13th January Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 91 miles / 4.5 hours Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41595250
Points 5: 1 per hour SIGN IN LINK: https://forms.gle/m4MDPLR5kWVCNSpf9
Exit Route: Lumpkin, Stadium, 1st Street.
Store Stop: Bowman (Mile 37 )
Pee Break: approx. Mile 18 / Mile 66
Final Attack Zone: (10 Miles / Gene Dixon’s) Attack Zone opens at Mile 69 when the pack turns right on Hargrove Lake Road. Ride straight for 6 miles. Right on Beaverdam for 1/2 mile. Left on Smithonia for 1 mile. Right on Melton Road for 2 miles to the WBL line on the road.
Parking: Ride your bike down, park on a side street nearby. DO NOT PARK IN THE HUB’S PARKING LOT
News for 1-8-2023
Atlanta Rise Cycling Club Roster
From Cyclingnews.com
“The Atlanta Rise Cycling Club is the third US domestic, co-ed team created by the National Cycling League, joining the Miami Nights and Denver Disruptors. The 2024 co-ed roster includes eight men and five women, representing four countries.
As a US domestic elite squad, the new Atlanta Rise will be eligible to earn team points in the American Criterium Cup series and will be eligible for selection as a team in the NCL race series. While the team kits have not been unveiled, the team colours are red and black, which reflect the bold look used by the host city’s large professional sports teams Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and Atlanta Hawks.” Read the full article.
Trish’s Note: Gee, I wonder where they got the name Rise from. Rise Up Atlanta! Sound familiar? (Yes, I know it could also have been the Phoenix.) The roster includes Joshua Meyers, a former Mission Devo racer. He’s a Cat. 4 (maybe higher now.) Caleb Landgrebe, Jon Brock, Brock Mason, Lucas Strain, Belgian Quentin Goossens, Clayton Travis, David Davenport, Izzie Harden (junior at Piedmont U.), Ruth Allen, Kara Lilly, Carlie Cooper, and Megan Sybeldon.
News for 1-5-2024
Northeast Alabama Bicycle Club News
Press Release from Facebook
Anniston, AL – Local businessman Del Marsh gave the best Christmas gift the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (NEABA) could imagine – ownership of the building the club has called home for almost seven years.
In 2017, Marsh and his wife Ginger leased the property at 26 W 10th Street to the club. When representatives for NEABA recently asked to extend their lease agreement, the Marshes decided the time was right to transfer the deed of ownership of the 113 year old structure to the non-profit organization.
Marsh said, “Ginger and I are pleased to provide this building to the bike club to continue its mission of providing a wonderful space for bike enthusiasts and others to meet and socialize while promoting cycling in Calhoun County and beyond.”
The headquarters is not only home to NEABA but for its sister club, Anniston Runners Club, as well. Both clubs are community-oriented, focused on providing fitness-related events and activities, thereby improving the quality of life for area residents and visitors.
Ken Hickman, NEABA president, said, “Our headquarters in historic downtown Anniston isn’t just a building to the membership of NEABA, it is home for our local cycling community.”
“In this home we come together to fellowship, work on events, and spread the love of cycling to the entire community and surrounding areas.” Hickman continued, “All of this would not be possible without the amazing generosity of former State Senator Del Marsh.”
A celebration event with ribbon cutting is scheduled at the Headquarters, 26 W 10th Street, Anniston for Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 5 pm. Public is invited.
For more information, contact:
Brooke Nelson, NEABA
brooke@teamnelson.fun
256-239-9001
Event page for ribbon cutting to come shortly!!!
https://www.facebook.com/NEABA
News for 1-3-2024
Maxxis Tires Southern Cross Bike Race – Coming March 2, 2024 – Registration is OPEN!
From Mountain Goat Adventures
Ride into the New Year by registering for the 2024 Maxxis Tires Southern Cross Bike Race! The course is 50 miles with a bit over 6,000 ft of elevation gain (two major climbs), and consists of pavement, gravel roads and a short (but hard) grass section at the end of the race up to the finish line. The course is gravel bike or mountain bike friendly, so pick your poison! Riders will pass by an aid station twice during the ride, and be treated to Terrapin Beer and Moe’s Burritos for a hearty post-race meal. Register early – this race sold out by January 15th in 2022 and 2023.
We have a shorter 30 mile option for Junior riders with categories for 10-14 and 15-18 male and female riders. 30 mile Juniors will ride the infamous “Winding Stair Loop” and are allowed to have a non-participant adult accompany them for safety, but are not allowed to draft or have the adult carry any of their food or water. Registration is open!
2024 Race Highlights!
▪ Killer course that features some of the toughest and most scenic forest roads in North Georgia that will give you bragging rights for finishing!
▪ Cash payout for Top 5 Open Men and Open Women’s classes.
▪ Free Primitive Camping at Montaluce for Friday and Saturday night!
▪ Super comfy cotton blend race shirt with race logo (register by Feb 15 shirt size deadline to guarantee your size)
▪ Surprise race swag item (past items have been hats, stainless beer cups, pint glasses, and coffee mugs!)
▪ Post race burritos from Moes with Terrapin Beer!
▪ Well stocked aid station with plenty of calories, fluids, mechanical support, first aid supplies and more.
▪ Transport of up to 2 drop bags to aid station
▪ Custom awards for all podium finishers
News for 1-2-2024
USA Juniors and Masters Cup
USA Cycling has partnered with the USA Juniors. The Juniors Cup will serve as a national development race series and National Team selection races. Two Georgia races are part of the series, Outdoor Capital Classic in Jackson March 22-24 and the Tour or North Georgia May 24-26. The same races will be part of the USA Masters Cup national series. Unfortunately the races for the entire series appear to be “Men’s Only” with no women’s masters or Juniors races offered. As a note, “Masters” is actually an open category although it’s traditionally raced by about 99.5% Men. Women can enter but often do not. This is a disappointment to me. I’m not picking on any individual promoters. But come on, let’s be more inclusive. Gravel and mtb races offer Masters Women. Why can’t road?
News for 1-1-2024
Tom Duncan Memorial Ride
On Dec. 30, a memorial ride was held for Tom Duncan, the cyclist that lost his life 2 weeks ago after being hit by a distracted driver. I was unable to attend, but I spoke to several people that rode. They said there were at least 400 riders. Tom’s familiy was in attendance, and a Ghost Bike was placed where Tom was killed. There is a video with highlights of the ride here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ik_Ca-etl4. If you can’t watch the entire thing, fast forward to the short speeches, and you’ll get a sense of what an amazing person he was. Rest in Peace Tom.
News for 12-28-2023
Cumberland Bike Share Extended 2 Years
The Marietta Daily Journal reports that the Cumberland (Cobb County) Bike Share program has been extended for 2 years. Bike Share Station are located throughout the Cumberland Improvement District (CID). There are 3 along the Chattahoochee River, 2 at the Battery and one at the Bob Callan Trail near Rottenwood Creek, 1 at the Galleria Gardens, and 1 at the CobbLinc Transfer Station behind Cumberland Mall. Read the full article.
Winter Bike League #4 & 5
Double Header Weekend Details:
WBL Ride # 4: Saturday Dec 30th: Reeves and Young Ladies Day Spectacular When: Saturday Dec 30th.
Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 84 miles Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41350531 Points 4: 1 per hour (must sign in here https://forms.gle/RRyvpgsU4qVLpk5H9 )
Women’s only Attack Zone (4 miles) Sponsored by Reeves and Young: Opens at mile 73 after crossing Hwy 129. Continue straight for 2 miles. Turn right on Cane Creek rd. Straight for 2 miles. Line on the road at the backside Pink Church.
WBL Ride # 5 The Team Type 1 Foundation Non-Pro Jefferson Sprint When: Monday Jan 1st.
Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points) Time: 10 a.m. (window open)
Length: 60 miles (52 w/o final Pink Church Loop) Interactive directions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44937984 Points 3: 1 per hour (must sign in here https://forms.gle/RRyvpgsU4qVLpk5H9 )
Non PRO only Attack Zone (8 miles) Sponsored by Team Type 1: Opens at mile 43 at the turn on Archer Grove School. Continue straight for 1 mile. Turn right on Cane Creek rd. Straight for 3 miles. Right on Crooked Creek (BE CAREFUL FOR CARS FROM THE LEFT). Continue 1/2 mile. Right on Jefferson River. Continue 3 miles. Right on Archer Grove School. 1 mil to the line on the road at the Pink Church.
News for 12-26-2023
USA Crits Returns
From Cyclingnews.com:
“After a two-year absence from the US racing calendar, USA Crits returns in 2024 as a formal series of six established events across April and May in a trio of southern states. The collection of races touts live streaming, ‘travel-friendly’ geographical locations and a base prize purse for elite riders of $200,000, based on a combination of individual race payouts and a series bonus for top 10 elite men, elite women and teams.
Four of the six events have been part of USA Cycling’s national calendar for pro road racing, beginning with the series start on April 13 at Sunny King Criterium, now in its 22nd edition in downtown Anniston, Alabama.
The middle stops of USA Crits will be April 26-27, the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium in South Carolina on Friday followed by the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium in Georgia on Saturday. The finale will be on May 25 at Winston-Salem Cycling Classic in North Carolina, with its unique figure-eight course set amid a backdrop of the “Gears & Guitars” musical festival.”
The two other races are the Rock & Road Criterium p/b 75 Jackson Properies in Newnan on April 21 and the LaGrange Cycling Classic on May 4. The article also says that Speedweek will return with “Spartanburg, Athens and LaGrange events are expected to return in the regional series, with Newnan a new stop for Speed Week.” It does not say if College Park or Hapeville will be back. Read the full article.
News for 12-23-2023
Tom Duncan Memorial Ride
As many know by now, Tom Duncan was helping to lead a beginner group on the Atlanta WBL when he was struck and killed by a distracted driver on Saturday, Dec. 16. Robert Wilhite describes Tom:” If I could sum up all my interactions with Tom, it’s that he was the epitome of joy walking in the flesh. He was always eager to help, he always had a smile on his face, and the sum of all these, made you want to be in Tom’s group.”
There will be a memorial ride on Sat., Dec. 30. A police escort will be provided. See details here.
Atlanta News First Coverage: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/12/22/metro-atlanta-cyclists-urge-road-safety-after-rider-hit-killed/
Fox 5 News Story: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/atlanta-winter-bike-league-cyclist-struck-and-killed-in-weekend-crash
GoFundMe for Tom’s family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-tom-duncan
Authorities have said charges against the driver are pending.
News for 12-21-2023
Calendars Updated
All of the calendars have been updated with the races I have for 2024. There are still a few big holes. After the holidays I’ll go through them all again and will keep adding races as I find out the dates. The further out in the year the more likely we won’t see a date til the spring. Don’t even ask me about 2024 cyclocross yet. For those that don’t know I’m on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Cyclocross Series. I want to have a few months to breathe first.
WBL #3
WBL Ride # 3: The St. Nicholson Christmas Eve’s Eve Event When: Saturday, 23 December Where: The Hub / Jittery Joes (5 Points)
NOTE: No sag car. Be self sufficient. Time: 10 a.m. (window open) Length: 43 miles / 2 hours Points 2: 1 per hour (must sign in)
Sign in: https://forms.gle/HJLZHP4Z3nMxQkkL7 Exit Route: Milledge, Hill, Pulaski, Boley
Store Stop: None. Save room for Christmas Pee Break: approx. Mile 20
Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45196831
Sprints: None Parking: Ride your bike down, park on a side street nearby. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE CAR IN HUB PARKING LOT DURING RIDE.
News for 12-18-2023
Dirty Sheets Bridge Out
The bridge on Garretts Ferry at Dirty Sheets is out for about the next 6 months. Confirmed. Please do not go through the construction site. The go around is easy. From Jones Ferry, go out of the gate. Right onto the shoulder of S. Fulton Pky. About 20 meters down, look across the street, and you’ll see a white fence. Cross the road (very, very carefully! High speeds!), and go to the right of the white fence. The end of Whiteside Road is there; you’ll see it. When it ends, merge right onto Garretts Ferry. You are back on the loop. Reverse if going counter clockwise.
Velosolutions pump track at Allatoona Creek Park
From MTB Atlanta
We are super excited to finally be able to announce that the Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted yesterday to approve the construction of the Velosolutions pumptrack at Pitner Bike Park. Thanks to all of our partners for making this dream come true for our community including. HUGE thanks to the Chestnut Family Foundation and MTB Atlanta for funding and leading the project. Thank you to Commisioner Keli Gambrill and the entire Cobb County PARKS staff for their guidance and oversight at Allatoona Creek. Also thank you to Free-Flite Bicycles and Jarrod’s Place for stepping up as community partners and helping to sponsor the stoke for this track.
If you or your business would like to contribute towards the progress, there are still lots of opportunities to become an official sponsor of the park.
Construction should begin soon and we ask that folks stay out of the fenced off site. There may be some necessary closures during the process and we’ll announce and sign them appropriately.
